The Skeleton of a Soldier

On June 2, 1976, George Vanderhoek conducted a most fascinating interview with Mrs. Gilbert Farr (Gladys Alice Perrigo Farr). The descendant of an old Lewiston family, Mrs. Farr had many stories to tell including detailed descriptions of life in old Lewiston. Her grandparents were former residents of the Kelsey Tavern (also known as the Lafayette House) on Center Street. Her interview includes an eerie legend concerning the rattling bones of an old soldier…whose skeleton and buttons may still remain in the cellar of that building. She also mentions Lafayette’s visit to Lewiston back in June of 1825. Perhaps someone today knows where his medicine basket is located?

Welcome to the Lewiston Public Library’s genealogy and local history blog! Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date and useful information possible to help you search for ancestors. The Dead Beats Society was founded in 2008 as a group of genealogy volunteers at the Lewiston Public Library. They have ... Continue reading →